Microgravity research offers a niche for Australian rockets

Thanks to the proximity of northern Australia to the equator and expertise in ground station operation, Australia has an opportunity to carve out a niche in launching sounding rockets to conduct microgravity research.

A new NASA contract highlight’s Northern Australia’s space potential

With the support of state and national governments, northern Australians are well placed to reap commercial advantage from upstream and downstream opportunities in the rapidly growing global space industry.

Will space tourists launch from Australia?

The Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews wants passengers to experience zero-gravity from the convenience of a domestic airport in Australia, but how close is that vision to reality?

Realising Australia’s potential as a rocket-launch hub

There’s a lot of scope for Australia and New Zealand to offer small-satellite launch services at very attractive prices to Asian countries as well as to our home markets.

Australia launches multi-billion smart satellite revolution

Australia has announced the biggest investment in space R&D in the country’s history, with the launch of a multi-billion smart satellite research hub led by the University of South Australia.

Adelaide’s Dr Space Junk takes on the Universe

The Australian Space Agency’s arrival in Adelaide signals an important reconnection for South Australia with its significant space history, according to a new book by Flinders University space archaeologist Dr Alice Gorman.

Will India’s anti-satellite weapon test spark an arms race in space?

India’s successful test of an anti-satellite weapon in low-earth orbit demonstrated its ability to counter the Chinese threat, but better ways must be found to prevent a damaging arms race in orbit.

Why dangerous asteroids heading to Earth are so hard to detect

Earth is often in the firing line of fragments of asteroids and comets, most of which burn up tens of kilometres above our heads. But occasionally, something larger gets through, and we seldom see it coming.

You can help unlock the secrets of the universe

Scientists are appealing for public help on one of the biggest astronomy projects of the next ten years.

ANU research set to shake-up space missions

A new study from The Australian National University (ANU) has found a number of superthin “2D” materials can not only withstand being sent into space, but potentially thrive in the harsh conditions.

Could Australian join the race to mine the moon?

It’s 50 years since man first stepped on the Moon. If and when we return, the plan is not to leave footprints, but to mine it for resources, so what contribution can Australia make towards this goal?

Why belief in a flat Earth is increasing

The Earth is demonstrably a sphere, and yet belief in a ‘flat Earth’ is increasing. However amusing at first glance, this misapprehension points to people’s increasing preference for ill informed internet bubbles rather than expert analysis or fact based critical thinking.